UFO Criticism by JN - 2003 03 no 59

Magazine Overview

This issue, number 59, of "UFO Criticism" (UFO批評) by J.N., published by A. F. U. from Sweden, is dated March 2003. The magazine serves as a platform for personal opinions and news related to UFOs, with this issue focusing on international information gathered from various publications.

International UFO Organizations and News

The issue highlights several international UFO organizations and their recent activities:

AFU (UFO Research for the Preservation of the Museum Foundation) - Sweden

Anders Liljegren edits the English "AFU News Letter." Due to a computer virus, the planned March publication was delayed, with the June issue (No. 43) being the first and smallest at 4 pages. AFU announced plans to operate three museums: the existing 74㎡ 'A' hall, a new 62㎡ 'B' hall, and a 30㎡ 'C' hall. The article notes that Timothy Good had previously described AFU as the most extensive and organized UFO museum.

Clas Svahn, Vice Chairman of AFU and Chairman of UFO Sweden, contacted the editor regarding the fate of Mr. Arai's and Mr. Ikeda's collections. Upon receiving leaflets about the "UFO Fureai Kan" (UFO Museum) in Iino-machi, the editor sent copies, and in return received "UFO aktuellt" and "UFO RADEN" from UFO Sweden. The "UFO aktuellt" issue featured an article mentioning the passing of Mr. Arai and Mr. Ikeda, citing the editor's English edition as a source.

The September 1999 issue (No. 41) of "AFU News Letter" contained an article titled "Some Memoranda on the Early History of the UFO World in 'Anders Standing' and AFU." It mentions the significant influence of Daniel W. Fry and the early days of UFO Sweden, which evolved into a more serious and objective research group in the 1990s under Clas Svahn.

IRAAP (Independent Research Association for Paranormal Phenomena) - USA

IRAAP publishes the bi-monthly "Messenger," which has reprinted articles from the editor's English edition, including cases like the near-miss incident, the Setouchi Sea incident, and criticism of the 'anomalous day' theory. The magazine covers paranormal news from the internet and publications, as well as member research. The December issue featured an article about a four-winged, slender flying object captured on video by a FOX-23 TV camera at Albany International Airport.

The editor discusses the video footage, noting discrepancies in the object's appearance and suggesting that the effect might be due to the camera's shutter speed or the object's rapid movement. The editor shared these thoughts with Raymond W. Cecot, the editor of IRAAP.

IRAAP also points to Joseph Trainor's "UFO Round-Up" as an internet source. The October and December issues of "UFO Round-Up" reported on a case where a UFO was suspected of causing a murder. In this case, Todd Sees disappeared near Montour Ridge, Pennsylvania, and his body was found near a pond, appearing emaciated and with his underwear on backward.

Other reports mentioned include spherical lights and cylindrical craft seen over Richmond and Virginia Beach, and a sighting by a driver near Virginia Beach who reported a UFO landing nearby. The issue also references a case where a truck was found parked in the middle of a road with no one around, and satellite tracking showed it had moved after being stationary for three hours.

MUFON - Ohio, USA

The editor requested materials from William E. Jones, State Director of MUFON Ohio, regarding the Arnold, Los Angeles, and Washington incidents. He received an article by Bruce S. Maccabee about the Arnold incident.

The issue also mentions an article by Jennie Zeidman about J. Allen Hynek, highlighting that his role as a UFO consultant was not merely coincidental but stemmed from his involvement in the V-2 rocket project at White Sands.

SUFOG (Southampton UFO Group) - UK

SUFOG publishes a 20-page bi-monthly magazine. The editor's English edition No. 3 was reviewed positively, despite language limitations. The review notes the passing of Mr. Arai and Mr. Ikeda and mentions the Adams Mountain photo. SUFOG is known for its 'Sky Watch' activities and its efforts to gather information on UFO movements.

The article details Gerrard's frustration that a local sighting was not reported by "UFO Magazine" and that a witness's report was not communicated to SUFOG despite their presence at an international UFO conference.

SUFOG received a VHS tape containing TV appearances of its leaders and footage of UFO sightings, including a formation of lights resembling constellations. The editor also received a book on mystery circles.

UPRI (Irish UFO Paranormal Research) - Ireland

UPRI publishes a newsletter that is a compilation of newspaper clippings. The November 2002 issue featured an article debunking the 'Moon Landing Hoax' theory, with arguments from astronomer Patrick Moore. It also reported on an incident at Dublin Airport where a pilot reported a UFO, but no evidence was found by air traffic control or a helicopter.

Other Mentions

The issue also references "European Journal of UFO and Abduction Studies," which received an award, and mentions the passing of Desmond Leslie.

Book Reviews

"A Study of Cases Where UFOs Were Captured by Radars"

This book, by three Japanese authors (Yasuo Kuwahara, Norio Tamaki, and Katsuya Hyakuta), is reviewed. The editor notes its high price but praises its detailed analysis and debunking of skeptical arguments, particularly regarding the Washington incident. The book is dedicated to the late Dr. James E. McDonald.

"Report on Unidentified Flying Objects"

This is the Japanese version of E. J. Ruppelt's work. The editor considers it a "classic of classics" and notes its comprehensive coverage of sightings by military personnel and scientists. It discusses the Robertson Panel and the recommendation for increased funding for Project Blue Book.

Personal Sightings and Observations

My Newest Sighting

The editor recounts a brief sighting on December 6, 2002, from a moving train near Kyodo Station, Tokyo. He observed a round, cloud-covered light resembling the moon.

The Cloud Over Mt. Adams

This section discusses a video and photos of a cloud-like object over Mt. Adams, USA, taken by Kiyoshi Amamiya. The editor analyzes the footage, questioning whether the object could be a natural cloud formation given its rapid formation and apparent movement relative to the observer. He notes that the object appeared to be an arch shape and that the video showed it zooming in and becoming clearer over several seconds.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently features international UFO news, focusing on organizations, sightings, and research. The editor maintains a critical yet open-minded stance, analyzing reports and offering his own interpretations. There is a recurring theme of debunking skepticism and presenting detailed case studies. The publication also highlights the history of UFO research and the contributions of key figures in the field. The editor's personal experiences and observations are integrated throughout the issue, providing a unique perspective on the subject.